The common cuckoo is a medium-sized migratory bird that breeds across much of Europe and Asia before wintering in Africa, best known for its distinctive two-note call, from which its name derives, and for its remarkable brood parasitism, in which the female lays her eggs in the nests of other, smaller bird species and leaves them to raise her young. Cuckoo chicks typically hatch earlier than the host's own eggs and instinctively push the host's eggs or chicks out of the nest, monopolizing the foster parents' feeding effort as they grow to a size often many times larger than the birds raising them. Different populations of common cuckoos tend to specialize in parasitizing particular host species, and female cuckoos often lay eggs that closely mimic the color and pattern of their chosen host's own eggs to avoid detection. The species has long fascinated naturalists and features prominently in folklore across Europe and Asia, though its population has declined in parts of its breeding range in recent decades.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or ExtinctDerived from this species' own Conservation Status: this atlas's IUCN category list has no Extinct value, so a set conservation-status is itself evidence of living status. Comparison
CITES Appendix Disputed
Population EstimatePublished global estimate ranges from 25 million to 100 million individuals; the lower, more conservative figure is recorded here rather than a false precise midpoint, matching this atlas's existing convention for wide-range population estimates (compare Arctic Tern, Gray Wolf). Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceA slender, grey-bodied bird about 32 to 34 centimetres long with a long tail and pointed wings, its flight and grey plumage often compared to a sparrowhawk; it perches with drooped wings and a raised tail during the breeding season. 1 Scientific Name Conservation Status Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Biome
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cuculus canorus (Animal Diversity Web)
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cuculus canorus (Animal Diversity Web)
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cuculus canorus (Animal Diversity Web)
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Common Cuckoo (Wikipedia)
WikipediaIntroduction, first sentence
The cuckoo, common cuckoo, European cuckoo or Eurasian cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, Cuculiformes, which includes the roadrunners, the anis and the coucals.
Lifespan and demography section, opening sentence
Although the common cuckoo's global population appears to be declining, it is classified of being of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Lifespan and demography section, second sentence
It is estimated that the species numbers between 25 million and 100 million individuals worldwide.
Description section, opening sentences
The common cuckoo is 32-34 centimetres (13-13 in) long from bill to tail, with a tail of 13-15 centimetres (5.1-5.9 in) and a wingspan of 55-60 centimetres (22-24 in). The legs are short. It has a greyish, slender body and long tail, similar to a sparrowhawk in flight, where the wingbeats are regular. During the breeding season, common cuckoos often settle on an open perch with drooped wings and raised tail.
View the Source 2. GBIF Species API
3. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cuculus canorus (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyConservation Status: CITES
CITES No special status
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive: "These insects destroy many crops including raspb"
These insects destroy many crops including raspberry ( Rubus idaeus ), viburnum ( Vibumum opulus ) and honeysuckle ( Lonicera albiflora ). Common cuckoos keep the population of these insects in check.
In Biome: Grassland, Terrestrial Biomes
Terrestrial Biomes savanna or grassland savanna or grassland forest forest
In Biome: Savanna, Terrestrial Biomes
Terrestrial Biomes savanna or grassland savanna or grassland forest forest
In Biome: Wetlands, Wetlands
Wetlands marsh marsh
View the Source Wikidata: Common Cuckoo
Common Cuckoo (Wikidata)
WikidataWikidata Q18845 (P1034 main food source): insect
Main food source (Wikidata property P1034): insect.
Wikidata Q18845 (P1034 main food source): egg as food
Main food source (Wikidata property P1034): egg as food.
View the Source Catalogue of Life
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.